BX 

7323 



^m 




**,-.• ~ 







LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 

—-—--— 

Shelf..: 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



OBJECTIONS 



TO 



CAMPBELLISM 

BY 

REV. J. X. ALEXANDER, 

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY 

REV. J. W. FAUBION, 
get 

% I 

Presiding- Elder of Council Grove District, M. E}. 

Church, South. 



"Prove all things: holdfast that which is good. (St Paul) 



\ 






Copyrighted by 

J. T. ALEXANDER, 

1894. 



jor co tfQ „ tt r 



DEDICATION. 

To those who honestly, truly and earnestly seek to know the 
truth which is to make them free indeed, who anxiously desire to 
become partakers of the divine nature ; and who faithfully strive 
to walk in the light, as he is in the light, and who prayerfully 
seek to be spiritual christians, to live the new life divine, the life 
had with Christ in God — these pages are affectionately and pray- 
erfully dedicated by 

THE AUTHOR. 



INTRODUCTION. 

An introduction to a book is as necessary as to a party. By it 
the reader learns in advance what will be his fare. 

But introductions, we are sorry to believe, are seldom read, 
and readers not being properly introduced set-out to read, and 
failing to be introduced at the outset — lay the book by and never 
read at all. Therefore, no matter how rich the intellectual fare 
may be, the reader, tired too soon, never tastes it. 

I have consented to write this introduction at the request of the 
author. His name, where he is known, is enough to warrant all 
that can be said in favor of his book. 

Converted in early life, blessed with only limited early opportu- 
nities for the development of his mind, but a life-long student, hon- 
ored with the place of a Local Elder in the M. E. Church South, 
and elected a lay delegate to the councils of the Church a number 
of times, will give the reader some idea of the esteem in which he 
is held at home. And last but not least, he has a deep spiritual 
experience in the things of God ; hence, much that is contained 
in the book that is before you, will not only entertain and instruct 
the mind, but feed the soul as well. 

The subject discussed in his book is of vital importance, as it 
would overthrow the joys of salvation by faith and substitute 
therefor a faith predicated on the "letter which killeth, while 
it is the Spirit that giveth life." I have read carefully the con- 
tents of this little book, and would urge all to buy, read, study, 
practice, and circulate, especially if you feel an interest in future 
generations and the wellfare of Zion. The arrangement of the 
argument is such that the reader will see and hold in his mind, 
without an effort, the ideas of the writer from beginning to end. 

There is not a book that I have seen that deals with the sub- 
ject contained in these pages, though we have long wondered that 
some one did not write such a book. Brother Alexander's " Ob- 
jections to Campbellism " meets this want ; and may it find its 
way to many of our homes and prove a blessing to all its readers. 

J. W. Faubion. 

Augusta, Kan,, Aug. 6 th, 1894. 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 

'How I Came to Write : 

The writer of these pages, having heard a Campbellite minis- 
ter preach a few sermons, began penciling some notes and ques- 
tions, to be presented to him for the purpose of calling his atten- 
tion to some very palpable mistakes and absurdities, which the 
writer believed he detected in those discourses. 

But not finding an appropriate method by which to present 
them, the matter was delayed and further pondered, the notes in 
the meantime lengthening, until after some further deliberation 
and arranging of notes, they assumed the present form. 

While we have not hesitated to use plainness of speech, we 
have endeavored to do so in the spirit of christian charity. We 
regard the teachings and doctrines of Campbellism as not only 
erroneous, fallacious and heretical, but some of them as positively 
false, and consequently dangerous to the highest interest of the 
soul ; tending to lead the honest inquirer after religious truth in- 
to dangerous mistakes and fatal error in the efforts to secure the 
salvation of his soul. 

We therefore write for the good of souls, in the interest of 
truth, " as the truth is in Jesus," endeavoring to present truth in 
its spiritual meaning and import. 

We are not so presumptious and silly as to suppose that we are 
going to change these people in their way of thinking — very few, 
if any of them, for the homely old adage still holds good — 
" Convince a man against his will, 
And he is of the same opinion still." 

But we do think that if the more noble spirited among them 
will carefully examine these objections, they will see enough of 
truth in them, to cause them to be a little more generous and tol- 



b OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 

erant toward the rest of us, who can't see and believe as they do. 
And we further hope that some of the sincere and honest mind- 
ed people, who are sometimes perplexed and bewildered by the 
arragant claims of these Cambellite propagandists, will, by the 
help of the points and prooftexts here presented, be aided in de- 
ciding the question of church relationship, for the highest and 
best interest of their souls. 

Why I Write : 

We have been exhorted by certain of these new light teachers 
and propagandists to abandon the faith of our fathers ; we have 
been urged to forsake the christian association and church fel- 
lowship of those with whom our life has been mainly spent. 

But before yielding to a request so strange, a demand so absurd 
in its appearance, and savoring so much of the spirit of proselyt- 
ism, we choose to examine with care and caution, to the best of 
our ability, the arguments used, the reasons assigned and urged 
upon us for so radical a change in religious faith and practice. 

We want to investigate in the light of scripture truth, and as 
far as practicable, to understand the foundations upon which 
rest demands of so grave a character, and questions of such deep, 
serious, and vital moment to us. 

And having done this, as we believe honestly and candidly, as 
far as we are capable of doing so, we do most certainly and seri- 
ously object, and most positively decline to do any such thing. 
And in the following pages we propose to give some of our rea- 
sons for this course of action, and some of our objections to the 
teachings of these propagandists. 

But in doing so we do not think we write in a merely captious 
and fault-finding spirit ; neither do we lay claim to a monopoly 
of wisdom in the premises. But we feel ourselves able, and we 
do mean to give a reason for the faith that is in us, or rather the 
reason for the lack of faith in the things that are not in us. 

For more than forty years we have been trying in our humble 
way, to " Walk in the light as He is in the light." 

Though we are conscious of many short comings, and of failure 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 9 

at many points, we have tried by faithful study and prayer, to 
the best of our ability, to learn something of the true spiritual 
import and teachings of God's holy word. And we believe that 
we have the indwelling assurance that our efforts on this line 
have not been altogether a failure. 

We write because we believe the errors pointed out are inimic- 
al to the dearest interest of the soul — its eternal salvation. The 
tendency of the main evil pointed out is to induce self-deception, 
by leading people to rest their hope of heaven upon the observ- 
ance of mere outward church ceremonials and rites, instead of 
securing the one thing needful for the soul, its inward spiritual 
regeneration. 

The Savior says — "Many will say in that day, Lord, Lord, have 
we not prophesied in thy name ? And in thy name cast out 
devils ? And in thy name done many wonderful works ? And 
then will I profess unto them, I never knew you ; depart from 
me, ye that work iniquity." Matthew 7 : 22 23. 

And now, gentle reader, allow us to kindly ask your careful and 
serious attention to the points made in these pages. And then 
with your reference bible will you refer to every prooftext given, 
and carefully and prayerfully seek the help and guidance of the 
Holy Spirit, to enable you rightly to interpret, and faithfully to 
walk in the way of truth. 

" Holy Spirit, faithful guide, 
Ever near the Christian's side, 
Gently lead us by the hand, 
Pilgrims in a desert land ; 
Weary souls fore'er rejoice, 
While they hear that sweetest voice, 
Whispering softly, wanderer come, 
Follow me, I'll guide the home." 
Augusta, Kans., Feb., 1894. J. T. A. 

OBJECTION I. 

In the first place we object to the attempted exclusive use 
and appropriation to themselves, by this sect, or denomination, 
of the name — " Christians." We would not for a moment think 
of doing anything so foolish and unscriptural as to proclaim ob- 



10 OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 

jections to "Christians." But we do not believe them entitled to 
the exclusive use of and right to the name " Christian," to its en- 
tire monopoly. We doubt not there are true " Christians " among 
them, though we believe they are such in spite of the doctrinal 
teachings of their church rather than by their aid. So there are 
true rt Christians" among others. By the grace of God I believe 
Lam a " Christian," a Methodist Christian, though an unworthy 
one I may be. So there are Baptist " Christians," Presbyterian 
"Christians," and many others. And if these people are "Chris- 
tian " in any thing that differentiates them from other " Chris- 
tians," it is only that they are Campbellite " Christians." Because 
they are followers of Alexander Campbell, and generally hold the 
peculiar views and tenets inaugurated and propagated by him. 

The disposition and practice of arrogating to themselves alone, 
the title of " Christian," appears to us to smack of Phariseeism, 
of a presumptive self -righteousness, a spirit of intolerance that 
is not in harmony with the teachings and spirit of christian char- 
ity promulgated in new testament Christianity. 

Upon a certain occasion the disciples manifested a spirit of 
narrowness and exclusiveness, that was displeasing to the Master. 
They said unto him, " Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy 
name, and he followeth not us, and we forbade him, because he 
followeth not us." The Savior rebuked them, and said, "Forbid 
them not."— Mark : 9-38. 

To be a christian is to be a follower of Christ, to be Christ-like, 
to live a new life, the life hid with Christ in God. And if we 
are christians in deed and in truth, Israelites in whom there is 
no guile, we will have the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
peace. " For we being many are one body in Christ, and every 
one members one of another." 

We do not, therefore, choose to recognize this attempted claim 
to the exclusive use and appropriation to themselves of the name 
" Christian ;" neither will we be so silly as to offer objections to 
christians ; neither do we offer objections to individual members 
of that church, or to their lives and characters. But we offer our 
objections to Campbellism — as a collective whole, as a erred, as a 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLI8M. 11 

system of doctrines, as we see it practically presented, and pro- 
pagated among the people. 

OBJECTION II. 

Having no written creed to keep them within prescribed 
bounds, there is a tendency among their people to a broad latitu- 
dinarianism that results in such a mixture of things, sometimes, 
that this of itself becomes very objectionable. 

There is so much uncertainty, such vagueness and indefinite- 
ness, that it is quite difficult, oftimes, to know what they really 
do believe, as to doctrine and scriptural teaching. 

Some of them seem to approach very near, and to accept most 
of the orthodox teachings of other churches, and as far as visible 
appearances are concerned, are clever and consistent church mem- 
bers and good christians. We are glad to note this growing 
tendency among our Campbellite friends in many places to 
abandon some of the absurd and unscriptural tenets of 
the founders of their creed. They seem to be awak- 
ening to a realization of the untenableness and unsound- 
ness of many of their former positions, and to be approaching the 
brighter light of a better and more orthodox faith : some of them 
even beginning to admit the need of the work of the Holy Spirit, 
a scripture truth which we have often heard them deny, and 
scornfully ridicule and condemn. May the work of this good 
leaven continue to spread and grow until they shall be not only 
almost, bat fully persuaded to accept the scriptural teaching of 
justification by faith, the Spiritual regeneration of the heart, and 
the abiding presence and witnessof the Holy Spirit. But others 
of them appear to swing to the other extreme of the pendulum 
and to accept and adopt more or less of the erroneous views 
of the current heretical "osophies," "ologies," and "isms" of the 
times. 

The only essential requirement, the only condition of unity, 
necessary to membership among them, being the acceptance of 
immersion in water, for the remission of sins; entirely ignoring 
the only real, true, and essential baptism — the baptism of the 
Holy Spirit. 



12 OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 

I would prefer to know something definite about the belief of 
those with whom I am to associate in a religious way. I would 
prefer, at least, some degree of unanimity among my co-religion- 
ists. I should like to believe and know that there was, at least, 
some unanimity in a proximate approach to the teachings and 
requirements of the word of God, both in faith and practice. 

But this is scarcely practicable, or possible, with those religionists 
among whom the bond of required unity is narrowed to so small 
a point, and that point one that is non essential to salvation ; 
the theory being in general, to allow each one all the latitude he 
may wish save only on the question of baptism. The only bond 
of unity required being an agreement as to the mode and design 
of water baptism. 

OBJECTION III. 

Campbellites deny to the sinner the right to pray. This, we 
think, is certainly unscriptural. David had fallen into sin of the 
most aggravating and heinous character. Yet he prayed to have 
his transgressions blotted out, his sins forgiven, his soul cleansed. 
Psalm 51. And did not God hear him and answer him and re- 
store to him the joy of his salvation ? 

The prayer of the publican, who was a sinner, though a pen- 
itent one, was commended by the Savior, rather than the prayer 
of the self-righteous Pharisee, who was a church member and 
a great stickler, no doubt, for the formal observance of the law. 

The Savior tells us to ask, to seek, to knock, and promises to hear 
and answer us, if we do but pray to him in faith. God does not 
promise to give salvation to a single soul, until that soul asks — 
prays. And we are to seek him with the whole heart, by faith in his 
blood, and upon that condition alone are we to receive the prom- 
ised blessing. 

We must be in dead earnest about the matter, before we can 
have any assurance that God will deliver our souls from the tor- 
ments of hell. 

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our 
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John : 1-9. 

Of course the prayers of the self-righteous, presumptious, and 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 13 

rebellious hearted are not acceptable to God. They are a stench 
in his nostril. The sacrifices of the impenitently wicked are an 
abomination to the Lord, but the sacrifice of a broken spirit and 
a contrite heart, O Lord, thou wilt not despise. The Lord in a 
vision told Annanias to go and instruct Saul of Tarsus, and when 
Annanias objected to going because he was afraid of Saul, the 
Lord said, " Behold he prayeth !" Saul had been breathing out 
threatenings and cruelties against the church of God, but now be- 
ing checked in his mad career, in a most wonderful manner, he 
fasts and prays three days before the scales fall from his eyes. 

" Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice, 

Returning from his ways, 
Whilst angels in their songs rejoice 

And cry, ' Behold he prays !' " 

OBJECTION IV. 

They as a rule and as a class, seem to fail to distinguish and 
emphasize sufficiently between a merely historical and intellectual 
faith, which being alone is an inoperative and dead faith ; and the 
faith of trust, the faith of reliance, a living, an appropriating 
faith, which can come only from a penitent heart, and. brings sal- 
vation to the soul, and which, when fully exercised, is accom 
panied by the witness of the Spirit. 

Thousands of people have a historical and intellectual faith, 
the faith of the head — a general belief in the truth and reality 
of Christianity. 

They believe the bible to be true, that it is the word of God, 
that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and that they can pnly be 
saved through him. And yet they are sinners still, and unsaved 
sinners ; and they know and admit that they are such and noth- 
ing more. 

But the faith that delivers the soul from the pains of hell that 
have hold upon it, and that must be felt, the faith that brings 
salvation to the soul, the faith of trust and reliance, — " is the 
substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." 
It is the faith " That works by love and purifies the heart." Its 
fruits are seen in an upright walk and a holy life. It makes the 



14 OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 

individual Christ-like in life and God-like in character ; and its 
reward will be happiness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost here, 
and heaven and eternal happiness in the hereafter. 

objection v. 

In the prominence they give 'the subject of water baptism, they 
appear to unduly stress, — a mere external ordinance, a sacramen- 
tal rite of the church. They claim that in and by the act 
of water baptism the sins are taken away ; and that during and 
through that act alone, the soul receives all the spiritual benefits 
of the atonement there are for it.* 

The thing signified, the only real baptism — the baptism of the 
Holy Ghost, — is lost sight of in the prominence and emphasis 
given to the external rite, by which the true baptism i# repre- 
sented. Paul, in speaking of circumcision, says, "That is not 
circumcision which is outward in the flesh ; but circumcision is 
that of the heart in the spirit andnot in the letter." (Rom. 2 ; 28-29.) 
Neither is that baptism, true baptism, which is outward in the 
fle3h ; but that is true baptism which is of the heart in the spirit, 
the baptism of the Holy Gho3t which regenerates the soul, — 
" For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." 
(1 Cor. 12:13.) 

The outward circumcision in the flesh only representing the 
real circumcision in the heart. Abraham believed God, and so 
great was his faith that, at the command of God, he did not hes- 
itate to take the life of his only son, his well beloved son, Isaac, — 
the son of promise. And this sign of circumcision was given to 
him, because of the genuineness of his faith, which faith was 
evidenced by his unfaltering obedience to God's commands. 

In this they greatly deprecate, if they do not entirely deny, 
the work and offices of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, at times, they 
do not seem so much as to know whether there be any Holy 
Ghost at all. 

The Holy Spirit is the active agent in making effective the 
blood of the atonement. u When the Spirit is come into the 

^Christian System by A. Campbell. '* Remission of Sins." 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 15 

world He will reprove the world of sin, of righteousness and of 
judgment." (John : 16-8.) For "He is the true light that 
lighteth every man that cometh into the world." (John : 1, 9, 
and 1 John : 5-7.) Doubtless his kindly offices and influence 
are felt by every soul of man. Every good thought, word, aspir- 
ation and choice, is but the result of the promptings and work 
of the Holy Ghost. 

God's blessed word is to be made effective in the accomplish- 
ment of that to which he doth send it, when wielded by the Holy 
Ghost, as the sword of the spirit. For without the Holy Ghost's 
gracious influence and help, accompanying and applying the 
word when spoken, it would prove ineffectual and abortive. 

He is the efficient helper, the precious comforter, that is to 
abide with us forever. And to deny this inward work and influ- 
ence of the Holy Ghost, is to make our souls, weal or woe, de- 
pend on an outward ceremony, or sacramental right of the 
church, a mere " carnal ordinance." It makes our soul's salva- 
tion to hinge on an act to be performed for us by a fellow-creature; 
and thus robs the son of God of the glory due only to him. 
" We are naturally inclined to worship everything to which we 
impute salvation. If we look to water baptism as a saving or- 
dinance in any sense, we deify it more or less, and to that extent 
become idolators." — 

" Not all the blood of beasts 
On Jewish alters slain, 
Could give the guilty conscience peace, 
Or wash away the stain ;" 

" But Christ, the heavenly Lamb, 
Takes all our sins away ; 
A sacrifice of nobler name, 
And richer blood than they." 

" No outward forms can make me clean. 
The leprosy lies deep within." 

" No bleeding bird nor bleeding beast, 
Nor hysop branch, nor sprinkling priest, 
Nor running brook, nor flood, nor sea, 
Can wash the dismal stain away." 



16 OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 

" Jesus, my God, thy blood alone 
Hath power sufficient to atone ; 
Thy blood can make me white as snow ; 
No Jewish type could cleanse me so." 

For " This is the stone which was set at naught by you build- 
ers, which is become the head of the corner." 

" Neither is there salvation in any other : for there is no other 
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be 
saved." (Acts 4: 11-12.) 

" And He is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours 
only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (Col. 1 : 14 ; 
Eph:l-7.) 

Because, " Now in Christ Jesus, ye who were sometimes 
f ar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ." (Eph : 2-13.) 

" Therefore, being justified by faith in His blood, we have 
peace with God through our Lord, Jesus Christ," " and we shall 
be saved from wrath through Him." (Romans 5 : 1-9.) 

" Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith 
in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of 
sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." (Romans, 
3 : 25.) " Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins 
in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God 
and His Father ; to Him be glory and dominion forever and 
ever." (Rev. 1 : 5-6.) 

Again, " For it is the blood that awaketh atonement for the 
soul." (Lev.. 17-11.) 

" And without the shedding of blood there is no remission." 
(Heb.: 9-22.) 

" The blood of Jesus Christ, His son, cleanseth us from all 
sins." (1 John : 1-7.) 

Also see Heb. 10: 22, and 9: 13-14. 

It is the merit of Jesus' blood, and that alone,, which secures 
the salvation of the soul : and it is applied and made efficacious 
in cleansing us from all sin, by the power and work of the Holy 
Spirit, as the effective agent in procuring our salvation. " Ye 
must be born again, or from above," — " born of water and of the 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 17 

Spirit." The outward birth of water only symbolizing the in- 
ward spiritual birth of the soul, for that which is born of the 
spirit is spirit, and this spiritual being the only true and essen- 
tial birth. And of this birth, as an accomplished fact, the Holy 
Spirit is the true and only competent "witness, (1 Cor. 2: 9-14.) 

" His Spirit answers to the blood, 
And tells me I am born of God." 

" My God is reconciled, 
His pardoning voice I hear ; 
He owns me for his child, 
I can no longer fear ; 
With confidence I now draw nigh, 
And, Father, Abba, Father cry." 

And this precious witness of the Holy Spirit they deride and 
deny. To deny this work of assurance, this witness of the Spirit 
to our souls, of our acceptance with God, of our adoption into 
His family, and of our heirship to an inheritance in his kingdom, 
it does seem to us, to flatly and directly contradicts the word of 
God. Job said : " O, that my words were written in a book, 
that they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rocks for- 
ever." What is it, Job, that you would have thus written so in- 
dellibly, so indestructably engraven ? 

" For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that after my skin 
worms destroy this flesh, yet in my flesh shall I see God, whom 
I shall see for myself, and not another." 

Paul says : " For we know 7 that if our earthy house of this tab- 
ernacle be dissolved, that we have a building of God, a house 
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Cor.: 5-1.) 

From whom does this knowledge, this confidence come ? And 
by what agency ? It is the work and office of the Spirit which 
He sends into our hearts. For, " He that believeth on the Son of 
God hath the witness in himself." (1 John: 5-10.) 

" And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit 
which he hath given us." (1 John : 3-24) " Hereby know we 
that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of 
his Spirit." (1 John : 4-13.) " For by one offering he hath per- 



18 OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 

fected forever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost 
also is witness to us." (Heb. 10 : 14-15.) 

"Holy Spirit truest friend, 
Ever near thine aid to lend, 
Leave us not to doubt and fear, 
Groping on in darkness drear. 
When the storms are raging, sore 
Hearts grow faint and hopes give o'er, 
Whisper softly, wanderer, come. 
Follow me, I'll guide the home." 

Christ says : " The Spirit of truth shall take of mine, and 
shall show it unto you." (John 16 : 13-15.) " The love of God 
is shed abroad in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost given unto us." 
Romans : 5-15.) u In whom, also, after that ye believed, ye were 
sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise." The Spirit of prom- 
ise was that other comforter, which He, the Savior, said He would 
send into the world, when He himself went away. It was that 
promise of which the prophet Joel spake, when he said, " I will 
pour out my spirit upon all flesh." 

It is the same promise of which Isiah is speaking when he 
says, " So shall He sprinkle many nations." And with reference 
to which Christ says : u Ye shall be baptised with the Holy 
Ghost not many days hence." 

And which Peter said was shed upon them at the day of Pen- 
tecost, and which he said the Gentiles received at the house of 
Cornelius, as well as we. (Acts 10: 44-45.) " And when we 
receive the heavenly annointing of this Spirit of promise, through 
faith in Christ, we are sealed as the children of God." (Eph. : 
1-13 and 4-30.) 

What is a seal, if not the witness or evidence of official author- 
ity, and of the genuineness and legality of the work performed ? 

Again, " God has given to us the earnest of the Spirit in our 
hearts." (2 Cor. 5: 5 and 1: 21-22.) Now, what is this earnest in 
our hearts, but part of the price or reward given in advance as a 
promise and pledge of faithfulness in fulfilling the terms of the 
contract ? 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 19 

Paul says : " Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ, 
he is none of His." (Romans 8:9.) And again, "God hath 
sent forth the Spirit of His son into onr hearts crying, Abba, 
Father." (Gal. 4:9.) And also to witness the fact of our adop- 
tion into His family, and of our heirship to an inheritance with 
His son in the kingdom of eternal glory. (Rom. 8 : 14-17.) 

" Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, 
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine, 
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, 
Born of His spirit, washed in His blood." 

How can any truth be more plainly and unmistakably presented 
than this doctrine of the witness of the Spirit, is here taught ? 

This precious doctrine of the witness of the Spirit is so 
plainly and forcibly taught by these, as well as other scriptures, 
that it does seem to us that the wayfaring man, though a fool, 
need not err therein. 

May the loving Father above enlighten all our spiritual under- 
standings, so that we may see the truth as the truth is in Jesus ; 
and that we may all learn to " Walk in the light as He is in the 
light." 

We know full well that this doctrine of spiritual regeneration 
and the witness of the Holy Spirit with our spirits, cannot be 
fully explained to the comprehension of the natural man — the 
unregenerated heart. " The wind bloweth where it listeth and 
thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it Com- 
eth or whither it goeth ; so is every one that is born of the Spir- 
it." (John 3:8, also Rom. 8 : 5-7.)' 

" For the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of 
God ; for they are foolishness unto him ; neither can he know 
them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Cor. 2:14 ) 

But it does seem to us that it ought to be plain enough to the 
true embassador of the Lord, Jesus Christ, who has been called 
of God to that high, holy, and responsible office and work. For 
the Master says : " If ye then being evil know how to give good 
gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Fath- 
er give the Holy Spirit to. them that ask Him*" (Luke 11:13.) 



20 OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 

" We by His spirit prove, 
And know the things of God, 
The things which freely of his love 
He hath on us bestowed." 

" His Spirit us He gave, 
Who dwells in us we know ; 
The witness in ourselves we have, 
And all its fruits we show." 

" Our nature's turned, our mind 
Transformed in all its powers ; 
And both the witnesses are joined, 
The Spirit of God with ours." 

This experience of the "love of God shed abroad in our hearts 
by the Holy Ghost given unto us, " — realized and known, is the 
new birth so distinctly taught and emphasized by our Lord and 
His apostles ; and is the only religious experience that is of any 
real worth, either for this life or for the life that is to come. 

And when this experience is possessed it will be seen and 
known by its fruits, in a life of holiness and devotion to God. 

Jesus says, " I am the vine, ye are the branches, every branch 
in Me that beareth fruit, He purgeth it that it may bring forth 
more fruit, and herein is My Father glorified that ye bear much 
fruit, so shall ye be My disciples." "The fruit of the Spirit is 
love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meek- 
ness, temperance ; against such there is no law." And if we 
possess, this abiding presence and witness of the Holy Spirit, 
these will be the perennial fruits, manifesting themselves in our 
daily lives, and making us the living witnesses for the truth as 
the truth is in Jesus. (Acts 1:8.) 

OBJECTION VI. 

Their clamor against and rejection of the old testament scrip- 
tures, even claiming, as we have recently heard one of the minis- 
ters of that persuasion do, the abolishment and repeal of the ten 
commandments ; every thing written upon stone, is- absurd and 
untenable, and is in plain conflict with the teachings of the new 
testament. 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 21 

11 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable 
for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in right- 
eousness." (2 Tim. 3:16.) 

All to be read and studied, thoughtfully, prayerfully, to be 
read, marked and inwardly digested. 

If we stop at a superficial and surface view of the teachings 
of God's word, we will often fall short of a realization of a full 
understanding of its spiritual import and truth. For this can 
only be realized by an honest effort, and close study, with earnest 
prayer for the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit, while read- 
ing the sacred page. " If any man wiileth to do His will, he 
shall know of the teaching, whether it be of God. (R. V.) 
(Jonn7:17.) 

" If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who giveth to 
all men liberally and upbraideth not : and it shall be given him." 
(Jas. 1:5.) 

They fail or refuse — at least some that we have heard do so — 
to distinguish between ceremonial law and moral law. But if we 
will honestly and carefully examine the teachings of the new tes- 
tament scriptures, we will certainly find that there is a recogniz- 
able difference between the two. The laws pertaining to ceremo- 
nial purifying, such as Lev. 14, Num. 19, and the various laws per- 
taining to the sacrifices and services of the temple, were abolished, 
because they had their accomplishment and fulfillment in Christ, 
the great archetype to which they all pointed. These were the 
laws contained in, and consisting of ' 'meats and drinks, and divers 
washings, and carnal ordinances," Heb. 9:10: and which pertained 
to the Levitical priesthood : and which were " a shadow of good 
things to come." But when these good things came, a new order 
of priesthood arose, "Who is not made after the law of a carnal com- 
mandment, but after the power of an endless life." (Heb. 7:16.) 

"For the priesthood being changed there is made, of necessity, a 
change also in the law." (Heb. 7:12.) And the former types and 
shadows were of no further use, and so were set aside. But the 
morality and principles of all the ten commandments, as well as 



22 OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 

other moral laws, are most assuredly recognized and endorsed in 
the new testament. 

The Savior says, (Mat. 3:5:17-18) : "I am not come to destroy, 
but to fulfill the law." He fulfilled the Levitical laws, by completing 
the work for which they were instituted, and which they pointed 
out and illustrated. 

For specimens of moral law, see the ten commandments, Deut. 
6:5 ; Psa. 1:5-19: 7-9 ; also Psa. 119. Such laws as these Christ 
fulfilled, not by setting aside and repealiog them, and thus de- 
stroying them ; but by endorsing, confirming and establishing 
them, He enlarged upon and explained them, so as to more fully 
show their spiritual application in practical life. Paul says, (Ro- 
mans 7:14), u The law is spiritual," and in Romans 3:31, "We 
established the law through faith." That faith that is the evi- 
dence of things not seen, the substance of things hoped for, the 
faith that brings salvation to the soul, does not destroy, but con- 
firms and establishes the law. In the sermon on the mount our 
Savior shows the spiritual import and application of much of the 
moral law. 

In other teachings he tells us that we may make loud profes- 
sions, and be very devoted church members, and yet fail to secure 
the pearl of great price, the one thing needful. He tells us that 
while outwardly, we may be zealous propagandists, great stick- 
lers for dogma and churchism, we may be " like unto whited sep- 
ulchers, beautiful in deed outwardly, but within are full of cor- 
ruption, dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness." (Matt, 23 : 
27.28.) 

He tells us that " Those things which proceed out of the mouth 
come from the heart ;" u For out of the heart proceed evil 
thoughts, murder, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witnesses, 
blasphemies : and these are the things which defile a man." 
(Matt. 15 : 19-20.) 

When one of the Pharisees, who was a lawyer, tempting him, 
asked, " Master, which is the great commandment in the law ?" 
(Mat 22 : 36-39.) In answer he gave the royal law of love. The 

st and great commandment is, " Thou shalt love the Lord thy 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 23 

God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength. " 
(Deut. 6-5.) And the second is like unto the first, " Thou shalt 
love thy neighbor as thyself." (Lev. 19:18.) " On these two 
commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Mat. 22-40.) 
For " Love is the fulfilling of the law." (Rom. 15: 8-10, see 
also 1 Cor. 13.) 

Upon another occasion, when one asked him what he should do 
that he might inherit eternal life, Christ's answer was : "If thou 
wilt enter life, keep the commandments, this do and thou shalt 
live." (Luke 15-28, also Mat. 19 : 16-17.) 

The appeal to 2 Cor. 3 . 7-14, to prove the repeal of the ten 
commandments, is undoubtedly a weak and mistaken idea. 

God wrote those words with his own finger — would not trust 
His faithful servant, Moses, to write them, but did it himself. 
Surely they were inspired. 

It was only the glory accompanying the delivery of this law, 
and which shone with such dazzling effect upon the face of the 
minister — Moses — "Which glory was to be done away." Moses 
had to veil his face before talking to the people, after talking so 
close with God. And what was said by the apostle Paul, with 
reference to some of the Jews of his day, is possibly true of some 
people, even in the present day. " Their minds were blinded ; 
for unto this day there remaineth the same veil untaken away." 
Not only in reading the old testament, but also the new as well — 
notwithstanding this " veil was taken away by Christ." 

The delivery of this law was, indeed, glorious, and this glory 
did pass away, but the commandments of the law abideth for- 
ever. For if the ministration of condemnation to death, by the 
letter of the law, written and engraven on stone, was glorious, 
How much more does the spiritual ministration of righteousness 
unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord, exceed in glory ? 

Because it brings pardon, salvation, and eternal life to the pen- 
itent, believing sinner ; who, being under condemnation of the 
law, as delivered by the minister, Moses, was under sentence of 
death irrevocable. 

True, the ten commandments were a part of the civil code of 



24 OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 

the Jewish natioB. But their government was a theocracy — a 
heaven ordained code. But much of the moral law of the bible 
is not susceptable of being enacted into civil law, under the pres- 
ent existing civic and sociologic development of human society. 
And as a matter of fact,, many of them are not incorporated into 
any of our civil codes of to-day. And are they not to be consid- 
ered binding upon us as christians, simply because not found in 
the civil law ? Is this what these people would have us accept 
and believe ? Preposterous idea that ! 

OBJECTION VII. 

These people are noted for their proselyting proclivities and 
ways. They seem never more delighted and elated than when 
making inroads upon other religious organizations. 

The nature of that life, either of an individual, or of a church 
organization, that is sustained and grows, by feasting on the vitals 
of another like a parasitic cormorant, is, to say the very least of 
it, an unenviable one. 

To be continually working on this line, and bending the ener- 
gies to accomplish this end, indicates a native poverty of germ 
life, a destitution of vital force and spiritual power, that augurs 
natural weakness and perversity, in the life that is thus supported. 

We can't help but object seriously to these pragmatical prac- 
tices and dogmatical teachings of our Campbellite friends. 

Only a very small part of the human family are even nomi- 
nally religious. The field before us is wide enough, it would 
seem, for the exercise of the most earnest and zealous efforts 
that duty might demand, that philanthropy and patriotism might 
arouse, or the broadest christian charity might inspire. 

There certainly is room enough for all to work and work all 
the time, without infringing upon the rights of others. And 
surely no one can deny but that there is a certain degree of chris- 
tian courtesy due those who hold views differing from ours, and 
whom we are bound to recognize as being equally honest, intelli- 
gent, and capable with ourselves. And to be continually mani- 
festing toward others an overbearing pragmatical spirit of prose- 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 25 

lytism, to say the very least of it, displays a lack of true christian 
charity. 

The Savior upbraided those who were guilty of proselyting 
practices in his day, and rebuked them in rather severe terms. 
(Mat. 23:15.) 

OBJECTION VIII. 

There seems to us to be good reasons for serious objections to 
the claim they make of taking the new testament for their creed. 
Such a claim can not bear the test of a fair criticism and sound 
reasoning ; because, when subjected to this kind of a test, the fact 
becomes apparent that their creed" is just their own denomina- 
tional or individual opinion about the teachings of the new testa- 
ment : just their own peculiar construction and interpretation 
of it. 

Our word creed comes from the Latin credo — I believe — from 
whence come also our words credit, credence, credibility. 

Every man who thinks, reasons or investigates for himself, has 
his own creed. His creed is the opinion he forms, the conclusion 
he reaches, the judgments to which he comes about the matters 
upon which his mental faculties are exercised. If he directs his 
investigations, his mental energies to law, to science, to politics, 
or religion, the opinion he forms, the conclusion he reaches, in 
reference to these questions, is his creed on that particular ques- 
tion. And this is just as true of the man who simply holds his 
opinions and belief in his mind, as of the man who formally 
writes out what he believes. 

But they are ready to say : O, we most assuredly do take the 
new testament, and that alone, as our creed. Very well ; let's 
see how this works. I say, "I will join you on the new testament 
as a basis for both faith and practice." You say, " All right, my 
brother. Come down to the water next Sunday and we will bap- 
tize and take you into the church." (Brother A.) "But hold on, 
there, Bro. B. I've been baptized already. My parents, recog- 
nizing their duty and responsibilities according to bible teaching, 
and in recognition of my moral fitness for the kingdom of heaven, 
dedicated me to God, by having me baptized in infancy." And, 



26 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 



according to the teachings of the scriptures, I believe infancy to 
be the proper time for administering the ordinance of baptism, 
and I have, therefore, fully accepted and ratified their action in 
the premises," 

(Bro. B.) "O, but you and your parents were both mistaken. 
That was not new testament baptism ; that was not accord- 
ing to new testament teaching." 

(Bro. A,) "O, yes, it is exactly in harmony with new testament 
teaching, according to my views and understanding of it." 

(Bro. B,) u Well, but we can't take you into our church unless 
you are willing to be immersed." 

(Bro. A.) Yes, but I don't believe that to be right, as I see 
and understand new testament teaching and requirements. For I 
believe sprinkling to be the more appropriate and scriptural 
mode of administering the ordinance of baptism. And, besides, 
I do not believe rebaptism to be scriptural and right." 

Now, where does the creed rest here ? Does it not rest on the 
opinion about the teaching of the book rather than on the book 
itself ? That is certainly the way it appears to us.— " Selah !" 

We do not seriously object to them believing and practicing 
immersion as their mode of baptism, if, by so doing, they can be 
better christians ; but we do object to being unchurched and un- 
christianized because we do not and can not see and believe as 
they do. 

This claim, in respect to creed, bears on its very face the mark 
of presumptive arrogance and egotism. And this, of itself, raises 
the suspicion of dishonesty, and doubt as to the sincerity in those 
advancing such a claim. They can not lay claim to superior vir- 
tues to others, a larger share of knowledge, more wisdom, a bet- 
ter understanding and greater skill in interpretting the sacred 
oracle. They dare not lay claim to more honesty, more capabil- 
ity, or more learned scholarship than others have. 

There is no recent addition to God's revealed word appointing 
them to the special office and work of construing' and interpret- 
ing the sacred scriptures for all others. Nothing to indicate that 
they have a monopoly of the right and privilege of studying and 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 27 

deciding as to the teaching of the word of God. Nothing to 
show that it is their prerogative, and theirs alone, to construe and 
decide all doctrinal aud controverted poinds concerning faith and 
practice. 

And for any sect or denomination to set up a claim that savors 
of this sort of spirit, is, it appears to us, to say that they, and 
they alone, are the people ; that wisdom is theirs and will die 
with them. 

Surely, good friends, the rest of us have some little right to 
think, to decide, and to act for ourselves. And it certainly appears 
to us that this privilege ought to be accorded to us, without sub- 
jecting ourselves to the approbium of being branded as heretics 
and reprobates. 

For ourselves we prefer to unite our destiny, in our church re- 
lation, with those of a different, and, as we sincerely believe, a 
more scriptural creed, and who are more tolerant in their faith 
and practice. 

CONCLUSION. 

But some one may be ready so ask, why treat the matter so se- 
riously as to remonstrate with them, and offer a formal protest, 
and formulate objections to fche teachings of these people ? 

We answer, because of the vital importance of the questions 
at issue, the momentous interests involved. The eternal verities 
of life and death, time and eternity, are at stake ; the everlast- 
ing happiness or misery of the soul hinges on the right decision 
of the questions under discussion. And we are exhorted that 
we " should earnestly contend for the faith which was once de- 
livered to the Saints." 

We can well understand how well-meaning, honest- minded 
people may sometimes be mistaken in their opinions about some 
of the less important, and non-essential details of religious faith 
and practice, and yet be all right at heart, have the love of God 
shed abroad in their hearts, and have the abiding presence and 
witness of the Spirit that they are God's children. And in such 
cases as this it is often an unprofitable employment to be spend- 
ing time and effort in disputations about, and discussions of, these 



28 OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 

minor differences. But when mistaken opinions and erroneous 
views are imbibed in reference to the most vital part of christian 
faith, in reference to the absolute requirements of the religion of 
our Lord, Jesus Christ, the question becomes one of most serious 
and alarming import. 

Some years ago there was within the circle of our acquaintance, 
a Campbellite minister, who had spent most of his life as a zealous 
preacher of that faith. Being laid upon a bed of sickness, which 
was recognized as a sickness unto death, he became deeply con- 
cerned about his spiritual condition, and penitently sought the 
Lord until he found pardon and acceptance, accompanied by the 
witness of the Spirit, Said he to a Methodist minister who visited 
him in his last illness, "My brother, this head religion won't do. 
It may do to live with, but it won't do to die with." A few years 
ago a faithful, earnest Cumberland Presbyterian brother was hold- 
ing a revival service, when a Campbellite brother became awakened 
and went to the mourner's bench, and penitently sought Christ un- 
til he obtained pardon, regeneration, and the witness of the Spirit. 
He arose and said : u For sixteen years have I been a church mem- 
ber, and now is the first time I ever knew what true religion was." 

And yet this man had been boastingly pointed to by his breth- 
ren, as a model of uprightness, consistency, and faithfulness as a 
church member and good christian. 

More recently a Methodist brother was conducting a revival 
meeting of great spiritual power, when a Campbellite brother went 
to the alter, sought and found the Savior precious to his soul. He 
arose and said, " I have been a member of the church for twenty- 
five years, and all these years I have been blinded by sin and preju- 
dice, and knew no more about regeneration by the Spirit than the 
horse I drove to church. But thank God, I know I have now passed 
from death unto life ; that my spiritual eyes have been opened, 
and all the world could not make me doubt it." . Errors of every 
hue and degree are now boldly presented and propagated in our 
country. And such is the weakness of human nature, such are its 
erratic tendencies, that it matters not how weak and puerile the 
teachings, how gross the errors, or how false and dangerous the 



OBJECTIONS TO CAMPBELLISM. 



29 



doctrine presented, the apostles of such teachings are sure of more 
or less of a following. 

Spiritualism, wfth its deception and falsehood ; christian science 
with its unchristian and unscientific ignorance and stupidity ; Mor- 
monism with all its absurdities and gross immoralities — as well as 
the more ancient religions of the east — Islamism, Brahmanism, 
Buddism, and Parseeism, with all their superstitions and idolatries, 
are being publicly and boldly proclaimed, and are gaining more 
or less of a following within our borders. 

And all these will have to be met, opposed, and fought, bible in 
hand, to check their onward march. 

We believe the doctrine of Campbellism, as most generally pre 
sented to the public, to be not only presumptuous, arrogant, and er- 
roneous, but full of egotistical sophistry and falsehood, misleading 
and dangerous to the highest interest of the soul. And believing 
this, we therefore speak to raise our humble voice of warning, hop- 
ing, at least, that some of the endangered ones will hear and heed 
the warning, and be benefitted. However humble our efforts may 
be, we don't feel like allowing the correctness of such teachings 
to go longer unchallenged. 

We do not like to hear such dangerous errors so persistently 
pressed upon the attention of the people, and not raise our 
voice to give one word of warning or alarm. 

And we believe an honest and careful examination of the points 
here presented, and of the prooftexts given, will enable the honest, 
anxious inquirer after truth to see some of the fallacies in the 
teachings of these people, and will also help to guide him in his 
decisions and confirm him in the faith once delivered to the Saints. 

The existence of different denominations of the christian church 
is not necessarily an unmixed evil. Denominationalism is one 
thing, sectarianism is an other and quite different thing. If there 
is harmony with the spirit of unity and christian charity, denomi- 
nationalism may be a blessing, because human minds are so differ- 
ent in apprehension, so much diversity in environment and ways 
of thinking ; but sectarianism, bigotry and intolerance is to be 
deplored anywhere and everywhere. 



30 



OBJECTIONS TO OAMPBELLISM. 



The distinguished American scholar and divine, Rev. Dr. Phillip 
Schaff, is quoted as saying : ''Denominatiorialism is a blessir g ; secta- 
rianism is a curse. We must remember that denominations are most 
numerous in the most advanced and active nations of the world. 
There are good christians who believe in the ultimate triumph of 
their creed, or form of government and worship ; but they are mis- 
taken, and indulge in a vain dream. 

The world will never be wholly one denomination ; but it will 
become wholly christian— an endless variety in harmonious unity, 
Christ being all in all." 

And now, gentle reader, if you have had the patience to follow us 
through these pages, permit the indulgence of the hope that we 
each, will be so enabled to detect and correct mistakes and errors in 
the present world, that at last, we may meet in the better world, 
where differences will be lost, — 

" When the mists have cleared away." 



ERRATA. 

On the 14th page, in the sixth line from bottom of 
page, the word 4 "deprecate" should be "depreciate." 

On the 15th page, in the sixteenth line from top of 
page, the word "right" should be "rite." 

On the 16th page, in the twelfth line from bottom 
of page, the word "awaketh" should be "maketh." 



OBJECTIONS 



TO 



CAMPBELLISM 

BY 

REV. J. T ALEXANDER 

WITH AX INTRODUCTION BY 

REV. J. W. FAUBION, 

Presiding- Elder of Council Grove District, M. E. 
Church, South. 



'Prove all things: hold fast that which is good." (St. Paul) 



